AN Accrington woman who took part in a terror raid on a housebound pensioner and her young grandson has walked free from court - and was advised by a judge to go and be a good mother.

A court heard how then-pregnant former junkie Donna Ayres, 22, sat with sick 79-year-old Blanche McKenna telling her not to worry while at least three masked accomplices who had burst into her Burnley home rifled through it.

Mrs McKenna's grandson was threatened and her prized china dolls were callously snatched by the gang as the traumatised pensioner bravely fought to protect her property. The treasured collection was later flung into a bin as they escaped.

Ex-convict mother-of-two Ayres avoided the jail term she was expecting even though Recorder Michael Blakey told her the offence was mean, despicable and she should be thoroughly ashamed of herself.

The judge, who said there seemed to have been an upturn in the defendant's formerly "desperate life," said he had to stand back and think about what was in the interests of Ayres, her young family and the public at large. Probation officers seemed to think she had turned a corner and the offence was committed before a recent jail term.

Recorder Blakey told Ayres: "I am not going to undo the good work you have put in since your release from prison. I intend to deal with you in a very fortunate way."

The judge gave the defendant a two year community rehabilitation order and added: "Try and live up to being a good and lawful mother."

Ayres, formerly of Athol Street North, Burnley, and now of Blackburn Road, Accrington, admitted burglary, last March.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, told the court Mrs McKenna suffered asthma, nervous problems and had difficulty walking. Miss Whaites said the gang then got into a vehicle outside, making off with their £350 haul of dolls, a jug and a mobile phone.

Ayres, who had 23 previous convictions, was arrested eight days later but refused to name her accomplices.